Gift

"Shuppet has lost its ability to battle, and Absol wins! Therefore, in this match, Trainer Shimizu is the winner!" The host announced the results loudly.

Soku retrieved Shuppet as it fell and glanced at Yuga before leaving the arena.

"Now that Trainer Shimizu has emerged victorious from this match, it signifies the successful conclusion of this tournament. Third place goes to Trainer Soku, second place to Trainer Shimizu, and our champion is Robert! Let's give a warm round of applause to these three outstanding youths."

Next was the award ceremony. Yuga, who had just stepped down from the stage, was called back up.

The award presenters were the three judges.

Officer Jenny presented the award to Soku, Nurse Joy to Yuga, and the organizer of the tournament, the boss branch of the Devon Corporation, presented the award to Robert.

The award ceremony proceeded smoothly, and amid the host enthusiastic praise, Yuga received the Incubator from Nurse Joy.

"This is a healthy Pokémon egg. I hope you'll nurture it well."

Nurse Joy smiled and spoke gently to Yuga.

"Sure, thank you, Nurse Joy."

Yuga bowed to Nurse Joy and felt a sense of worry: How should he deal with this Pokémon egg?

The egg potential was only Yellow-grade, not exceptional. He already had a Yellow-grade Chimecho. Did he really need another one?

If it wasn't for Chimecho unique skill, Yuga wouldn't have even considered capturing it.

With his Insight skill, Yuga wasn't too concerned about not having high-grade Pokémon. At the very least, the Pokémon he captured should be Green-grade.

While a Pokémon potential was significant, raising it was incredibly challenging. For most Pokémon, their potential would never change if they didn't encounter special circumstances.

Therefore, given the opportunity, Yuga didn't want to invest a lot of energy and resources into raising a Yellow-grade Pokémon.

He had already started late, and wasting more time would only widen the gap between him and others. For example, the current Robert, any of the three Pokémon he used in the match would have higher potential than Yuga strongest Absol.

So, what should he do with this Pokémon egg? Sell it at a shop? That wasn't a good idea; after all, he had earned it through hard-fought battles. Selling it would be a waste.

Raising it himself wasn't a good idea either. He already had Chimecho, a "deadweight" on the team. Having another one would be too troublesome.

Yuga held the Pokémon egg, thinking as he left the stage.

When he saw Rand approaching, an idea lit up in Yuga mind. Yes, he could give it to Rand.

Logically speaking, Rand, who was studying at the Trainer School, should already have his own starter Pokémon. A while ago, Mr. Kate had even mentioned that Yuga should help Rand find a good Pokémon.

Their family conditions weren't particularly well-off, which was why Rand hadn't received his starter Pokémon until now. Though he could afford a Pokémon, they were somewhat tight on funds.

After all, Yuga had grown up alongside Rand. Even though Rand didn't hold a high opinion of the original Yuga, their families had been on good terms for many years. Giving him a Yellow-grade Pokémon egg was still feasible.

Moreover, Yuga life was saved by Mr. Kate. If it weren't for him pulling the suicidal original Yuga out of the water, even if Yuga had transmigrated, he would have met a watery demise again.

Yuga approached Rand with a cheerful smile. "Rand, would you like a Pokémon?"

Rand didn't understand the intention behind Yuga question, but he answered honestly.

"I've been wanting a Pokémon for a long time. Most of my classmates already have their own starter Pokémon. I'm envious, but I know our family situation, so I didn't tell my dad."

"I'm giving this Pokémon egg to you, how about that?"

Holding the Incubator, Yuga handed the Pokémon egg to Rand.

"For me? Is it really for me?"

Rand seemed to have trouble grasping Yuga intent and asked in bewilderment.

"Yes, for you. Do you want it or not?"

"Really? You're really giving it to me?"

Rand face lit up with surprise.

"Really? Why would I lie?"

Yuga said with a smile as he observed Rand delighted expression.

"But this is something you won from the competition."

Rand wanted the Pokémon egg, but he was conflicted.

"Oh, come on! I have no shortage of Pokémon eggs. Can't you see how many I have at my shop?"

Hearing Yuga words, Rand reached out to take the Incubator, but then hesitated.

"I can't accept it. I can't just take something from you without a reason. My dad wouldn't agree either."

Seeing Rand dejected look, Yuga found it a bit amusing. He simply stuffed the Incubator into Rand arms.

"Just take it. You're overthinking, little carrot head. If your dad has an issue, he can talk to me. Come on, let's head home."

Saying so, Yuga grabbed Rand arm and started walking back home.

Rand silently followed Yuga, clutching the Pokémon egg. He stared at Yuga, lost in thought.

While they walked, Yuga suddenly looked back. "Since I've given it to you, you better take good care of it. It's a rare Pokémon egg, you know."

After saying this, Yuga turned around again and continued walking in the direction of their home.

Rand didn't say anything, just trailing behind Yuga with a contemplative expression.

And so, they walked in silence until they reached their respective doorsteps. Before entering his house, Rand turned to Yuga and whispered a thank you, then hurriedly went inside.

Yuga knew Rand was probably feeling shy, so he shook his head and entered his shop.

When Yuga got home, the sky had begun to darken. The shop lighting was dim, and it was eerily quiet. For no particular reason, Yuga suddenly felt a sense of loneliness.

But when he saw Vulpix and Houndour, who hadn't participated in the competition, peacefully sleeping under the Weather Tree, Yuga chuckled softly. He realized he was being a bit melodramatic.

He switched on the lights in the shop and released Floette, Absol, and Murkrow from their Poké Balls. The loneliness he felt seemed to be an illusion.

Perhaps due to the sudden increase in brightness and the noise made by Floette and the others, Vulpix and Houndour perked up their ears and woke up. They trotted over to Yuga feet.

Chimecho was hiding in the Weather Tree, but suddenly emerged from the leaves, chiming its pleasant "Ling... ling... ling..." It seemed to be welcoming Yuga and the others back.

In that moment, Yuga felt a profound sense of happiness.